“Using the wrong size bar or chain can damage the chainsaw and injure the chainsaw operator,” says Vince Christofora of Woodstock Hardware. Read on to learn how to measure your chainsaw’s bar and chain. Sometimes called a chainsaw blade, the chainsaw bar is the metal “Arm” that holds and supports the chain during cutting.
To help you find the best chainsaw for your budget, I’ll help you figure out how to select the right chainsaw size for your needs. “If most of your chainsaw needs involve pruning small branches or trees with relatively thin branches, a 6″ to 10″ chainsaw is the tool for the job. Cutting down medium size trees with a trunk of about 14″ to 16″ will require a larger chainsaw of about 16″ to 18” to fell the tree in one easy pass.
There are a lot of factors you have to consider when buying a chainsaw and you need to really understand what you’re going to be using the chainsaw for before you can decide how long a blade you need. If you’ve ever watched one of those TV programs in which professional lumberjacks are competing against each other to see who can cut through a huge log the quickest, chances are they were using a chainsaw with a blade length that fits firmly in this category. How long of a blade bar you should look for when purchasing a chainsaw should depend on a number of different factors.
what length chainsaw blade do i need Related Question:
How long should a chainsaw blade be?
The standard blade sizes for medium- to heavy-duty chainsaws are 14 to 18 inches, with engine displacements of 40 to 50 cc. Heavy-duty saws with long blades are adequate for heavy yard work, though in many cases they tend to be overkill and can actually hinder you on a small job.
How do I know what size chainsaw blade I need?
To find the called length of your chainsaw bar, measure it from its front tip all the way back to the cutter closest to the body of the saw. Round this measurement up to the nearest even number in inches. For example, a bar that measures 18 3/4″ will actually have a called length of 20″.
What chainsaw length do I need?
The usual guideline is to choose a chainsaw with a bar that is two inches longer than the diameter of what you need to cut. For example, if you need to cut a tree that is 10” across, you will need a chainsaw of 12”.
How big of a tree can you cut with a 16 inch chainsaw?
16 chainsaw would cut through a 14″ tree diameter. 10 inch chainsaw for 8″ in diameter. 6 inch chainsaw can cut a 4″ diameter.
How big of a tree can a 20 inch chainsaw cut?
A good rule of thumb is that the diameter of the trees you cut regularly should be no more than twice the length of the bar on a chainsaw. That means a 20-inch chainsaw can handle a 36-inch tree (remember, effective cutting length is roughly -2 inches of the bar length).
Can you change bar length on chainsaw?
Replacing your chainsaw bar will require a few measurements. Most chainsaws can operate up to three different bar sizes. Guide bars are measured in length, from the tip of the bar to the heel, and range in size from 14 to over 40 inches.
What is the difference between .325 and 3/8 chain?
The . 325 may be smaller and faster, but it may not be your best bet for your everyday needs. The three-eighths-inch chain is durable and lasts longer than its smaller cousin. This makes it one of the more popular switches for chainsaw users who want to get more out of their saw.
What size chain is on my Stihl chainsaw?
If you are replacing a Stihl® chain, you can look at the numbers on the side of the chain to determine pitch, gauge, and other characteristics of the chain. Example: Your chain has the number 33RM2 stamped in the side of it. The last three numbers (or letters) denote characteristics of the chain.
What is a 14 inch chainsaw good for?
In chainsaw descriptions, the term “light use” covers pruning trees and shrubs, and general maintenance. Light-use chainsaws’ cutting bar typically is under 14 inches long. Pruning ornamental trees and shrubs that don’t have thick branches is simple with these novice-friendly models.
How many cc do I need in a chainsaw?
The larger the displacement, the more power generated by the explosion of the compressed fuel/air mixture that drives the piston. If you’re harvesting and working up several cords of firewood a year, you’ll want a saw with between 45 and 55 cubic centimeters (cc) of displacement.
What chainsaws do loggers use?
The most popular brands known to fit this description are the Stihl, Husqvarna, and Oregon chainsaws, which are the most ideal for professional loggers. Bigger chainsaws are better for professional loggers, but they are not always the most ideal. The fact that these chainsaws are big also means that they are heavier.
What size tree can a 18 inch chainsaw cut?
An 18 inch chainsaw can cut a 16 inch diameter tree in a single pass. This is because your chainsaw bar should be 2 inches longer than the tree’s diameter if you are cutting it in a single pass. But if you cut from both sides, an 18″ chainsaw can cut a 32 inch tree.
What size chainsaw do I need to cut firewood?
Many homeowners find that a 14- to 16-inch chainsaw is a good length for them. That’s long enough to limb-up trees, cut down small trees, and cut most firewood, but it’s also short enough that it’s easy to control the saw.
Can electric chainsaw cut trees?
Although electric chainsaws are smaller and easier to carry, most lack the power and stamina to cut down large trees. If you have big trees on your property that you want to remove or cut into firewood, a gas model is your best bet. Electric chainsaws come in two types: corded and battery-powered.
Is Poulan Pro a good chainsaw?
The Poulan Pro is a good budget chainsaw for the newbie who wants a good introduction to gas-powered saws. It might also be useful to note that Poulan is owned by Husqvarna. It offers a simple, reliable starting set up and good power for most small to medium suburban jobs. It’s easy to clean too.